Save Our Seas

In October 2018, The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development commissioned Kaiaulu Papaloa to design and conduct a Visitor Survey for Hoopii Waterfalls. Currently, there are no plans at the State & Federal Level to address any issues related to “visitor overcrowding” at Hoopii Waterfalls.The name of the project is Ike Lea – to move forward with knowledge to make informed decisions. Data collected from surveys will give the community and agencies a better understanding of the type of visitors that visit cultural sites like Hoopii and what is encouraging these visitors to go to a location that is not a “well known” visitor destination.

Survey Area:

Project Ike Lea takes place at the entrance of Hoopii Waterfalls in Kapahi, Kapaa, Puna Moku, Kauai in a “neighborhood setting”. The entrance to the valley is also the old Kapahi County Road. It is no longer a functional road but serves as a trail and entrance to Hoopii Waterfalls.

Goals:

Design & implement a visitor industry survey that gathers data about guests to Hoopii falls (and that can also be used in county capacity studies).

Interview community about their perceptions of visitors to Hoopii Waterfalls.

Install a computerized counting system to obtain quantitative data.

Convene a group of visitor industry stakeholders and community members.

Determine possible plans to manage guests that are visiting a tourist destination in a “local neighborhood”.

Provide practical recommendations that protect the natural and social environment and encourage mutual respect of our community and the visitors who are our guests here.

Issue:

Kaiaulu believes we are early enough in the process at Hoopii falls that there is still time to address the issue of “visitor overuse impacting residents”, before it becomes a bigger problem. The community self-identified this overuse problem and then it became a further issue/problem since the April 2018 floods that have closed the North shore from Hanalei to Haena taking a major tourist destination out and sending tourists to Hoopii.

Like other cultural sites in neighborhoods like Kapahi around Hawaii, our cultural sites are being openly introduced in travel guides and on online websites without permission and understanding. Visitors come to our neighborhoods based on what they read: online and in travel guides. Visiting a local neighborhood – the impacts are real, especially when the visits are unexpected. Also, in regards to times of natural disasters – strategic plans now have to involve agencies and organizations that deal with the visitor industry.

This proposed survey & study is founded on the Hawaiian word, pono or balance. The tenants of our proposed visitor/community survey are aligned to several objectives in the Kauai Tourism Strategic Plan including:

Lai Ka Nohona – to design surveys that are meant to make positive contributions to the quality of life for residents in my neighborhood (larger community as well), addressing an issue that impacts community,

Pilina- to conduct surveys meant to build positive relationships between the community, agency, and visitors (to interview visitors & community with the manao to increase positive communications, interactions and understanding between stakeholder groups, especially between residents and the visitors industry),

Kaanalike– to openly share with visitors about our place as we conduct interviews that serve to reinforce authentic Native Hawaiian and local Kaua’i culture which are the foundations of our unique sense of place;

Hoomau- recommendations from the surveys will also include information that directly contributes to the preservation and enhancement of the natural resources on Kaua’i, including land and ocean.

Project Ike Lea takes a grassroots approach to problem solving that allows us to continuously adapt, reflect and respond immediately, to stay focused on real island issues. There is prudence and wisdom in using this approach – namely, a great deal of deference & respect to the communities, families, and practitioners that will inform the proposed visitor/community survey.

Please contact us if you are interested in taking a survey or providing an interview on your thoughts about this sacred area.

Hoopii Valley Waterfalls Background Information

Na Kamealoha Hanohano Smith

The name of the valley is Awaawaaloa and it is the home of an ancient agricultural complex. It is the home of two wailele, Ohinu & Opaekaa.

There are several cultural physical artifacts that remain intact, including terraced loi kalo patches & ahu: places where hookupu took place to honor, perhaps Lono, Kane, and (based on the type of native plants) Laka. We also have several traditional auwai that run adjacent to the stream that runs down the middle of Awaawaaloa. The name of the stream is Kapaa Stream. In the not so distant past, there was a larger “pool” of native oopu, opae, and opaenui (prawns). One can still find native fish, but you would have to travel mauka. Kapaa Stream is a major stream that feeds water to this and other areas in East Kauai.

Makaleha is the name of the mountain in the area, Kapahi is the name of the Ili at the “top” of the valley, Keahapana is the name of ili that lays at the bottom of Awaawaaloa. No one lives in the valley. The names of the winds/rains that come through the valley include Kehau, which is the early morning wind that comes from Makaleha and usually leaves drops of water on the valley plants. By the evening, the winds switch from mauka to Makai. Moae winds from the Northeast seem to be met by the Kamalamalama winds, that are more local and produce some afternoon showers for the area. This, supplies the valley with ample water.

Currently area residents go there to fish, hunt, and gather for hula and luau. In addition to this, there are many, many visitors to

Awaawaaloa. There is a trail that starts in Kapahi and ends at the bridge in Keapana. A few years ago, maybe only a handful of visitors came to this valley and mostly just to take pictures & enjoy the beautiful sites.

However, in the past few years there has been a spiked increase of visitors. The last count we did indicate that there are as many as

4000-5000 visitors a month. Our non-profit, Kaiaulu Papaloa has some kuleana to the area. We are currently trying to complete an EA so we can apply for the long term lease. We currently have a DLNR Right of Entry to do minimal work.

We have a partnership with the County to get funding to do a community & visitor survey to collect both quantitative

and qualitative data to move forward with community and agency engagement meetings to address current issues. We will follow up with a Feasibility Study.

In addition to this, we will also be starting a new Kilo Practitioners cohort for area youth. We train area at-risk youth in how to become a modern day Kilo Practitioner; collecting data about different native plants & aquatic life in the valley to complete a local Hawaiian Moon Calendar. We are also working with various County, State, and Federal Agencies to clean-up the green waste debris leftover from the April 2018 floods.

Kaiaulu has been in the valley for a few years now. However, the biggest challenge in moving forward with more impactful programs are the lack of resources we need to complete things like a EA. With a DEA, we can apply for the long term lease of the valley and actually develop programs focused on replanting, improving the quality of water, restoring the auwai system, & working more closely with area schools to engage students in project-based learning, etc.

We have a positive relationship with the County, State, and Federal Agencies we work with. We are also happy that our non-profit has a good relationship with the community as well. It is not Hawaiian Homestead, so the area is mixed. However, most of the people who use the resources for traditional purposes are Kanaka: the ancestral caretakers of this area.

As we complete a Program DEA, a Feasibility Study, & intentional strategic planning with agencies and stakeholders, we will create opportunities for economic prosperity. Many Kanaka are seeking opportunities to do work, really honest work, that is more closely related to Aloha Aina.

We currently have a request in to DLNR to extend our DLNR Right of Entry or the upper part of the valley. The TMK information is in the permit request. The second DLNR paperwork is an application for the lower part of the stream, just outside of Awaawaaloa Valley, Keahapana. We are applying for the second DLNR ROE to allow us access to clean up the green waste debris.

Ocean Pulse is a comprehensive study of coral reef ecology and the marine environment. It is an inspiring, hands-on program for students in grades K-college. These courses unite students and the local community as they conduct a field survey of our most precious natural resource – the ocean.

Our ocean and beaches become a “Living Classroom.” Students learn to identify reef species, gather data, and compare it to previous studies. This provides vital information about the health of the reefs and promotes a positive direction for other ocean communities to follow.

Students learn the importance of protecting a fragile ecosystem, how coral reefs interconnect with all species in the ocean, and crucial steps required to preserve our marine environment. Our next generation needs this knowledge in order to assure the life of our oceans. By the time the present students graduate from High School, they will have the consciousness that conservation is a positive, if not essential way of life.

Ocean Pulse is aligned with grade specific content and performance standards. These courses provide teachers with valuable tools and community connections needed for carrying out on-going, “meaningful” experiences in their classrooms. The Ocean Pulse Outreach Department provides teachers with opportunities for professional development in the area of environmental education. Teachers that weave critical environmental issues together with classroom and field activities can stimulate interest and lead young people toward thoughtful stewardship of natural resources.

The Ocean Pulse manual provides a standard for student marine education, coral reef study, and the gathering of baseline information. These standardized and easy to follow courses may be utilized by school districts in diverse locations worldwide. Our vision is to establish a global network (via the Internet) of informed and empowered “Ocean Guardians” to assure the life of our oceans.

Ocean Pulse – All Ages and Grade levels

Students focus on the complex relationships within ecosystems resulting from changes in climate, human activity, and the introduction of non-native species. Activities include investigating the formation of the islands, determining fish & turtle population assemblages, coral reef monitoring, classifying and mapping native and introduced species, measuring biotic and abiotic factors of different ecosystems, marine mammal study, and applying international oceanographic sampling and research protocols to define the marine environment. Students also “Adopt-A-Reef” and become “Ocean Guardians” of their local beaches. This information is made available to other students around the globe via the Internet.

Ocean Pulse Certification

– All ages and Levels!

Advanced Ocean Pulse! This Certification Program offers an exciting opportunity for students to engage in research, and receive hands-on training in marine sciences. This is a course on species identification and classification, calcification and structure of coral, origins and distribution of species, composition, zonation, reproduction, productivity, growth, species interaction, and identifies the role of algae and Zooxanthellae. Emphasis is on experiential labs to survey and monitor reef organisms using internationally known research protocols.

Students learn ecological principles, conservation issues related to the Hawaiian Ahupua’a system and resource management methods. Most importantly, they realize the impact and consequences of human activities on reef ecosystems. Student “Peer Ecologists” may work directly with instructors to educate other students on the techniques used in Ocean Pulse. This instills pride and furthers interest in Marine Biology.

Ocean Pulse @ Sea is a drug free marine education program that allows students to learn sailing, safe boating techniques, marine ecology, coral reef monitoring, environmental education, scientific research, and career training from local educators and community members aboard sailing research vessels.

Research Vessels have ports in Hanalei Bay, Nawiliwili Harbor and Port Allen on Kaua’i, for year-round educational programs. These boats have served as research vessel for the following community groups: The Waipa Foundation, The Kaua’i Children’s Discovery Museum, Hawaii International School, Kula High, Intermediate and Elementary, Myron B. Thompson Academy, University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Na Pali Coast Ohana, and the Hawai’i Youth Conservation Corp.

Student Involvement: Students and community members are offered different levels of involvement in the program. The first level of the program are activities that center on the boat: fieldtrips, whale watching, snorkeling & SCUBA, marine education, scientific studies, and sailing technique training, anything – simply as an alternative to being somewhere else doing drugs. The next level is a crew trainee position. Student volunteers will learn from qualified professionals how to crew the boat, eventually leading up to the next level, being a qualified or certified crewmember, or USCG captain. These crewmembers are subject to the USCG random drug-testing program, which is the ultimate deterrent to drugs. A person at this level will also be qualified for employment on a charter boat. The program is an alternative and deterrent to drugs, and a positive stepping-stone in the visitor industry on Kauai.

Students are also trained as “ecologist tour guides” by members of Save Our Seas, in ecology, geology, biology and the Hawaiian cultural relatedness to these subjects.

These quality sail training vessels are a unique and productive platform for the young people of Hawaii. As students participate on the research vessels, they are exposed to ideas in resource conservation by using environmental earth-friendly products and cleaning supplies, alternative energy sources like bio-diesel, and promoting recycling. These vessels are the SOS model for their yearly “SOS Coconut Award.” This award is given to local businesses that use environmental practices. Award winning businesses are chosen by the students.

Ocean Pulse was a success in 1996 and 1997, and is again a success in 2003-2008 at Kula High, Intermediate and Elementary K-12 and 2003 a the Myron B. Thompson Academy on Kaua’i. High school interns serve as peer ecologists and lifeguards!

Ocean Pulse could easily be introduced to island communities throughout the world; to teach the children how to identify creatures, compile marine data, and measure water quality.

Horton, R. L. and Haines, S. (1996). Philosophical considerations for curriculum development in environmental education, ERIC, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, US Department of Education (RI-88062006)

Anini is indeed a special place. As the largest stretch of reef on Kauai, it is home to patch and fringing reefs that grow beneath legendary breaking waves that help protect the inland waters and keep Anini Beach Park calm year round. The name for the beach fronting Anini Beach Park is Kalihikai and the beach to the west of the park is called Anini. (References to our survey sites are generally referred to as “Anini”.) Save Our Seas has conducted research at Anini Beach with grades K-12 since 1996 making it the longest coral reef education program of it’s type in the nation.

Anini Beach Park is popular county beach park with a boat ramp, good snorkeling site, and many wind and kite surfers. The beach park is midway along the beach. The ramp facility in the beach park is for smaller, shallow-draft boats.

The inner reef structure of Anini benthos is primarily unknown. The sand of Hanalei Bay originates at Anini and is brought to Hanalei by ocean currents. Anini also has a rare Halophilia sea grass community where turtles can be found grazing.

Anini, Wanini, or Wai-nini? There are many version of this name and the old-timers say that this is its real name. No one knows what the real name is to this day.

The plant ‘anini or wānini, Eurya sandwichensis is a small rather glabrous tree in the tea family which occurs more often as a shrub. It usually grows in the in the plains or ridges of the Ahupua‘a.

Wanini was the name of the first road sign… but Hanalei resident Walter Sanborn was mad because the sign was misspelled (should be Wainini) and shot off the W with a shot gun. However, people started calling the area ‘Anini because they thought the gunman had now corrected the spelling. Residents say the correct name is Wainini, since there were springs in the cliffs that oozed water which dripped down the face of the cliff and could be collected.

Anini is Hawaii’s third largest fringing reef, it is one of the longest and widest fringing reefs in Hawai’i at 2 miles long and 1,600 feet wide at its widest point. There is a narrow calcareous sand beach inshore of Anini Reef. Early Hawaiians raised taro and fish in ponds constructed along the shoreline. Streams flowed into the fishponds and through the many lo‘i kalo (taro patches) that Hawaiians built to grow their staple food crop. Rice was also grown in this area in the early 1900’s. One story speaks of “Anini (Wanini) at the seashore there are two stones, Pohaku Aweoweo (big), Pohaku ‘U’u by the sand for fishing. ”The stone called “Pohaku-alalauwa” lies in the sea between Kalihi-kai and Wanini. When the alalauwa fish was seen to swim partly around this rock it meant that schools of this fish were coming to the shores of this island, but, if they swim all around it then they will go to every island of the group…” www.Kumupono.com

The calm waters, protected shorelines, and many streams feeding into the coastline, provided ideal conditions for the development of shoreline loko i’a (fishponds). Early Hawaiians recognized these favorable conditions and constructed many in coastal areas like this. Today most of those fishponds have been filled as the coastline was developed. Restored ponds that remain in nearby Waipa remind us of the ingenuity of the Hawaiians who engineered this early form of aquaculture. The old rock walls of the remaining loko iÿa have withstood the elements and many forces of change over time.

The Hawaiians recognized each individual type of wind as having a name, and a personality. There are hundreds on record for Kauai. At Anini it is recorded “He Ku ‘ula ka makani o Anini. The Ku-‘ula is the wind of Anini.” (Pukui)

There is not as much on record for Anini as for other sites in the Archipelago. Most certainly its crystal clear waters were home to abundant fish and corals, with white sand beaches along the shoreline, as anyone who enjoys Anini Beach Park can attest. Today the combination of sedimentation, pollution, alien species, overfishing, and marine debris all threaten the health and diversity of the reefs at Anini.

Thanks to the crashing winter waves and strong currents, Anini Reef (and most of Kaua’i) has a high “flushing rate” (open ocean waves keep the water churning and mixing) so nutrients and other pollutants that drain into the sea don’t stay on the corals long enough to do irreparable damage. In the summertime when surf on the north shore calms down, Anini has a lower flushing rate and the native alga Cladophora appears in large blooms. Bring your students in May or June to see the full effect of the invasion!

Sediments and Pollutants

Extensive sedimentation of the area began in the 1940s when sugar and pineapple plantations left soil exposed to heavy rainfall. In the 1970s, increased development of the area for homes caused extensive run-off of soil. Channelization of streams to control flooding around the developed areas also increased run-off of soil and nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, during heavy rainfall. Erosion from cattle grazing in upland areas contributes to landslides, which add to the sedimentation and accumulation of nutrients in the water.

Human development also causes pollution of the water from sewage disposal. Many of the homes in the area are constructed with underground septic and/or cesspool tanks which leach raw sewage into the surrounding waters during high tides and periods of heavy rainfall. This contributes to the buildup of nutrients and sediments on the reef. The nutrient-enriched waters stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which decreased the clarity of the water. Cladophora spp. also began to grow rapidly during summer months with the increase in nutrients. This algae along with other species of cyanobacteria displaced corals and disrupted the natural balance of the coral reef ecosystem.

Kaua`i has documented intermittent high concentrations of nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, silica, and ammonium) and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB, i.e., enterococci and Escherichia coli) in nearshore waters and spurred concern that contaminated groundwater might be discharging into the bay. [Knee_etal_2008]

Nutrient concentrations in groundwater were significantly higher than in nearshore water, inversely correlated to salinity, and highly site specific. [Knee_etal_2008]

There is an old dump that drains into the first set (East of park) of streams. (interview 09’)

Higher concentration of sedimentation, algal & cyanobacteria growth near the west bathrooms could be caused by: Polo Fields fertilizers, animal waste runoff, septic/cesspool from the bathrooms, and seepage from private homes in the area who were not required by law to change from cesspool to septic.

It is believed that many Princeville contractors and business owners wash their chemicals, pesticide and other biocide into storm drains which makes it’s way to Anini and beyond. One person and One Business can make a difference!

When nutrients, such as nitrates from human sewage and lawn, polo field, or golf course fertilizers wash onto the reef, conditions are favorable for the fleshy limu species, such asCladophora to grow more rapidly. In addition, since 1950, there have been 18 different species of limu introduced to O’ahu, some intentionally for aquaculture research, and others accidentally on ship hulls (Russell, 1992). Some of these species have spread to the outer islands. Five of those species have become highly invasive, including Acanthophora spicifera, Gracilaria salicornia, Kappaphycus spp., Hypnea musciformis, and Avrainvillea amadelpha(Smith, 2002).

Another factor that contributes to the invasion of limu species and the degradation of the reef is overfishing. The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR/DAR) requires commercial fishers to file fish catch reports, which helps the agency to monitor the resources. DAR reports that there has been a significant decrease in the abundance of inshore marine resources over the past three decades (DLNR/DAR, 2005). When herbivorous fish that help to control the growth of limu are overfished, this affects the balance of the coral reef. Our goal is to highlight how Kaneohe Bay is severely invaded and with Anini being much like Kaneohe it could someday look like Kaneohe if we are not careful.

Gill Nets

“Lay gill nets are monofilament meshing that can be strung together for hundreds, even thousands of feet and indiscriminately kill huge numbers of fish and other marine life with no regard to species, age, or season. Lay gill nets destroy habitat. They damage coral and sea grass beds, destroy critical nursery, foraging, spawning, and refuge areas for fish and shellfish. At times, massive nets drift away with the current or are forgotten, entangling endangered monk seals, sea turtles, and a range of other marine life. Common practice is to leave nets unattended in nearshore waters for long hours and often overnight. Lay gill nets have severely damaged our coral reef ecosystems and depleted (our) fish stocks” (Kahea, 2006).

–Eliminates all lay gill nets around the island of Maui and three much depleted areas on Oÿahu, and restricts use of the nets statewide;

–Prohibits the setting of lay gill nets overnight;

–Limits their length to 125 feet and mesh size;

–Requires nets to be registered and marked;

–Requires that nets not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes (Fair Catch Hawaii).

Marine Debris

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

Marine debris is typically defined as any man-made object discarded, disposed of, or abandoned that enters the coastal or marine environment. It may enter directly from a ship, or indirectly when washed out to sea via rivers, streams and storm drains”.

“Marine debris is a historical problem that is continuing to grow. Every year, marine debris injures and kills marine mammals, interferes with navigation safety, has adverse economic impacts to shipping and coastal industries, and poses a threat to human health. Our oceans and waterways are constantly polluted with a wide variety of marine debris ranging from soda cans and plastic bags to derelict fishing gear and abandoned.

Ocean Acidification

In addition to all of these threats, the issue of global warming is recognized to have an impact on the acidity of ocean water, which affects coral reefs. Approximately one-third of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere from fossil fuel burning and other human activities is absorbed into the ocean each year. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution the pH (acidity) of the surface water of the oceans has decreased by about 0.1 units (IUCN and TNC, 2008). The reefs are directly affected because the carbon in the carbon dioxide forms carbolic acid in seawater. Corals need calcium to grow, so with the calcium diminished, coral reef growth declines. If the acidity of the seawater increases past a certain threshold, the calcium in existing reefs can actually be dissolved.

According to the IUCN and TNC report (2008) “The best evidence to date suggests that skeletal growth of most corals will decrease by about 30% once atmospheric CO2 concentration reaches 560 ppm, and that many reefs will shift from a reef-growth to a reef-erosion state before that, particularly where reef-building corals have declined due to bleaching, disease and other factors.”

The beautiful and diverse coral reefs of Anini are an incredible resource that is changing. Unfortunately, the reefs are losing their diversity as invasive limu (algae) species overgrow the corals. At Anini we see a major overgrowth of Cladophora spp. in the summer months.

Gracilaria salicornia, (an introduced invasive) also known as “gorilla ogo” and Dictyosphaeria cavernosa,commonly known as green bubble algae, are native species that have become invasive in Hawai’i. These two are the most successful invaders at Kaneohe Bay. We do not want to see these come to Kaua’i. We can compare Anini to Kaneohe to show what happens to a true “invaded” reef, and see the AniniCladophora invasion primarily in May and June.

The factors that lead to algae reef invasions can all be traced back to human activities. The student reading provided with this activity includes a chronology of events that contributed to the invasion of coral reefs by limu species.

In a balanced, healthy reef ecosystem, corals and coralline algae are the dominant species. The fleshy limu are less dominant but they play an important role at the base of the food chain, supporting the diverse species of invertebrates and herbivorous fish that feed on them. When nutrients, such as phosphates from human sewage and lawn or golf course fertilizers wash onto the reef, conditions are favorable for the fleshy limu species to grow more rapidly.

Homes built at Anini, like many places across the state, have cesspools (a hole dug in the ground with a cement top) that overflow during heavy rainstorms carrying sewage to the ocean and also “leak” as the tides go in and out. Thanks to a recent law passed nationwide by the EPA in 2000, cesspools are no longer being built and must be replaced by plastic septic tanks.

Another factor that contributes to the invasion of limu species is overfishing. The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR/DAR) requires commercial fishers to file fish catch reports, which helps the agency to monitor the resources. DAR reports that there has been a significant decrease in the abundance of inshore marine resources over the past three decades (DLNR/DAR 2005). When herbivorous fish (like surgeonfish) that help to control the growth of limu are overfished, this affects the balance on the coral reef. When overfishing is combined with excessive nutrients from human activities on land, the stage is set for invasion.

Since 1950, there have been 18 different species of limu introduced to O’ahu, some intentionally for aquaculture research and others accidentally on ship hulls (Russell, 1992). Five of those species have become highly invasive, and have spread to the outer islands, including Kauai.

Key Events:

•1940 – Sugar and pineapple plantations left exposed soil that washed into bay during heavy rains.

•1959 – Konohiki (local fishing rights) change as Hawaii becomes a state of the union.

•Princeville Ranch obtains a lease 2500 acres of land near Anini, severely eroding the hills by cattle grazing causing more sedimentation on the reef as soil and nutrients wash down to the sea.

•There is an old dump that drains into the first set of streams.

•To the East Kalihiwai valley and homes of Kalihiwai Ridge “drain” to Kalihiwai River.

•Cesspools dug during land development leach raw sewage into the surrounding watershed during heavy rainfall.

•Boat ramp has potential pollution impacts.

•Human population growth in the area increased. Land cleared for houses and roads, causing more sedimentation.

•Golf Courses are built above Anini

•1983 – Kauai Polo Club began holding events at Anini field (above Anini Beach Park) that contribute to run-off of soil and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates.

•2000 – EPA passes a law nationwide for the outlaw of cesspools in favor of septic tanks.

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR/DAR). 2005. Marine Protected Areas In Hawaiÿi. A supplement published by the Custom Publishing Group of the Honolulu Advertiser. March 9, 2005. Honolulu, HI.

University of Hawaii, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). 2001. Coastal Intensive Site Network (CISNet) Kaneohe Bay. Retrieved December 27, 2006 fromwww.hawaii.edu/cisnet/contents.htm

Please Respect local fisherman and do not damage the coral reefs on which they survive!

Mahalo to the many organizations and agencies

that make this information possible!

Lawai Bay is the perfect spot for a Marine Protected Area.

Get involved in making this a reality!

Lawai Valley is home to the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) Headquarters and the McBryde & Allerton Gardens. At the base of this valley lies the naturally protected Bay of Lawai Kai. Endangered monk seals and green sea turtles can be found resting on shore and in the tranquil water. This naturally protected area is very close to the highly popular areas of Poipu, Koloa Landing, Kukui’ula dCASevelopment, and Lawai Beach Resort (Beach House).

Coral Reefs Must Be Protected and Sustainable Solutions exist! Businesses and Developers can now work together with the community to ensure care of native resources. Our Friends at Kukui’ula Resort, Kaua’i’s Living Garden, imagine a new Kaua’i community helping to protect open space, the ocean, archeological sites, biological preserves and dramatic landforms. A vision of Sustainable development practices that can lead to great things for this unique highly diverse coastal habitat.

The Living Garden and The Living Reef

Imagine unique Community Partnerships where awareness of natural resources is a necessary way of life to keep Kauai’s Living Garden and Living Reef healthy for our families!

The goal of Hawaii’s Living Reef program is to raise public awareness of the importance and interconnectedness of the coral reef ecosystem to Hawaii’s lifestyle and to teach and encourage positive behaviors that will protect and nurture this life-giving natural resource.

The following are potential locations for benthic monitoring transects in the adjacent area of the Kukui’ula development. These locations account for potential runoff from the proposed golf location bordering the coastline as well as major commercial development inland from the coast.

Transect locations:

•East side of Lawai Bay (follow coastline) – 14th hole run off

•West of Spouting Horn – 15th hole run off: down current where pollution would accumulate in the benthic sediment and reefs.

•East of Kukui’ula Small Boat Harbor, where road runs along coast – South of proposed “Plantation House” community centerpiece; it has an existing drainage ditch to divert the flow of runoff toward Kukui’ula Bay (small boat harbor). Just outside of the bay in the direction of the current.

•Cross section of bay and around Nahumaalo Pt., where Waikomo Stream meets bay – South of proposed “Kukui’ula Village” shopping center (can access from Hoonani Rd. at Koloa Boat Canoe Landing)
Kukui’ula is a Hawaiian word meaning “red light” (source). The anglicized version (Kukuiula) is the name of a land area, a bay, and a park on the island of Kaua’i, Hawai’i. The State of Hawaii operates a small boat harbor on Kaua’i also using the name Kukui’ula (source). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes Kukui’ula as the name of the habitat of the endangered Kaua‘i Cave Arthropods Adelocosa anops(Kaua‘i Cave Wolf Spider), and Spelaeorchestia koloana (Kaua‘i Cave Amphipod). (source1)(source2)(source3). In Hawaiian mythology, Kukui’ula was the demon-wife of Waiolola who lived near Kipahulu on Maui, Hawaii. From the mythology comes the names Kukui’ula Gulch and Kukui’ula Stream on the island of Maui. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also has a rainfall gauge on Kaua’i by that name. Furthermore, Kukui’ula is also the name of a public street near Koko Head on the island of Oahu, Hawaii (source).

The Coral Reef is found at the Genesis of the Hawaiian Creation Chant!